9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia traveling south to Gabrovo, Plovdiv, Bansko, and Petrich

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, where you still have 2 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Sofia and Reduta.

Start your day at National Palace Of Culture. This visually striking convention center is a locally renowned place to see in Sofia. Then, wander over to South Park. If romantic sites excite you, this park will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Sofia Zoo. This eye-catching zoo is a favorite among visitors.

Sofia offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Geo Milev Park is a popular spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the visually striking Druzhba Park. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this intriguing park.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Sofia.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hotel Forum beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Turquoise Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Sofia tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. The Cocktail Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Urban Rebel offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Sofia. You have 1 night left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Sofia is brimming with adventures.

North Park leaves a lasting impression. This park is one of the most locally renowned places to visit in Sofia. Next, head to Zaimov Park, a locally renowned park, known for its beautiful features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This stunning church is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker and National Theater "ivan Vazov" Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel ZOO Sofia, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bar & Dinner Relax. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at One More Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Teos Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bsd 2 Ndk provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Sofia. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Gabrovo, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make a stop at Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya. This locally appreciated church is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Prince's Garden located in Sofia for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Eagles' Bridge. Its photogenic features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Borisova Gradina Park. Visitors usually appreciate the standout features of this park.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Gabrovo. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Gabrovo's best restaurants.

Dine in style at Soprano Restaurant & Live Music Club, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Strannopriemnitsa boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Vanilla coffee&food. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Gabrovo.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Moda Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Zahir - Bar & Dinner offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Gabrovo. Cafe Music Bar And Dinner "fashion" is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 places, which are Gabrovo, Boicheta, Bachkovo, and Asenovgrad. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv, where will spend 1 night.

To truly experience Gabrovo, make sure to drop by Park „markoteya“. This curiosity-inducing park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Ethno Village Etar, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", one of the most locally renowned places to see in Gabrovo. This monastery is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Asen's Fortress. Wander around and soak in the majestic atmosphere this castle offers.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Plovdiv's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rahat Tepe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at KFC. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Rock Bar Download, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to North Star. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Morado Bar & Dinner, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bansko, where you'll spend 1 night.

Singing Fountain is must-visit art installation and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, an interesting park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, a stunning archeological site, also available for your discovery today.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bansko, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Bansko is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bansko.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kasapinova Mehana, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Euphoria offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bansko.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Nova Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Penguins Bar & Dinner is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Amigo Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 4 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Razlog, General Todorov, Rozhen, and Kyustendil are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Petrich, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your day at Park "razlog". This picturesque park is an intriguing place to see in Bansko. Then, wander over to Baba Vanga House Museum In Rupite. If photogenic sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Rozhen Monastery. This stunning monastery is a favorite among visitors.

Bansko offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Park "st. Vrach" is an intriguing spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Petrich. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Petrich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant "Provence", a top-rated dining spot in Petrich. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restorant „Rayski Kat ”, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restorantche , Zharavata". Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Petrich.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!